Low cost child and teen life jackets available for camps, schools and non-profit programs

Non-profit summer camps, schools, or local non-profit organizations providing on the water programs for kids have a strong need for safety, and having right-sized life jackets for kids is key. Now, the BoatUS Foundation's Kids Afloat Program is offering kid/teen-sized, vest-style life jackets for just $5 each.

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The Lake News Online

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Posted Dec. 19, 2013 at 4:55 PM

Posted Dec. 19, 2013 at 4:55 PM

Alexandria, Va.

Non-profit summer camps, schools, or local non-profit organizations providing on the water programs for kids have a strong need for safety, and having right-sized life jackets for kids is key. Now, the BoatUS Foundation's Kids Afloat Program is offering kid/teen-sized, vest-style life jackets for just $5 each. However, supplies are limited and groups need to apply online at www.BoatUS.org/Kids-Afloat by Feb. 28, 2014. The Foundation will then choose those applications that best match program guidelines and post them to the Foundation's website and Facebook page for public voting in the spring. Those with the most votes will have the opportunity to purchase the deeply discounted life jackets.

The life jackets are Type-II and Type-III vests – the most comfortable non-inflating type available today that normally retail for about $30 each. Applicants are allowed to request up to a total of 50 life jackets in infant, child, youth and teen sizes.

Said BoatUS Foundation Outreach Manager Alanna Keating, "Over the years we've received many requests from groups desperately seeking life jackets. These programs give kids a chance to experience being on the water and at the same time educate them on the importance of life jacket wear. We also hope that by involving the public in selecting the sites that receive the jackets, it will help promote these programs in their own communities," added Keating.

The Kids Afloat program is for groups currently offering on the water programming, such as educational boat trips, fishing trips or canoe and kayak excursions that include safe and clean boating in their curriculum. However, groups that don't currently include safe and clean boating education may also apply if they commit to add these topics to their program. "Our ultimate goal is see these kinds of educational programs grow – and keep kids safe while they're participating in them," said Keating.